Ignition lock
Fig. 93 Vehicle key positions
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The steering lock can be activated when there is no vehicle key in the ignition lock.
Vehicle key positions ⇒ Fig. 93
Ignition switched off. The vehicle key can be removed.
Ignition switched on. The steering lock can be released.
Engine is started. Release the vehicle key as soon as the engine starts. Once released,
the vehicle key moves back to position ①.
If the vehicle key is left in the ignition for a long period with the engine switched off, the
vehicle battery could discharge.
Switching the engine off while the vehicle is moving makes it more difficult to stop the vehicle.
This can lead to loss of control of the vehicle and to accidents and severe injuries.
\f
Starting the engine
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The steps should only be carried out in the specified order.
Manual gearboxAutomated manual gearbox
1.Depress the brake pedal and hold it until
step 5 has been completed.Turn the vehicle key to position ⇒ Fig. 93①.
2.Fully depress the clutch pedal until the
engine has been started.
Depress the brake pedal and hold it until
step 5 has been completed.
3.Shift the gear stick to a neutral position.Place the selector lever in position N.
4.Turn the vehicle key in the ignition lock to position ⇒ Fig. 93② \f
After the engine is switched off, the radiator fan in the engine compartment may run on for
some minutes, even if the ignition is switched off or the vehicle key has been removed. The radiator
fan will switch itself off automatically.
Electronic immobilizer
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The immobilizer helps to prevent the engine from being started and driven with an unauthorised
vehicle key.
There is a chip in the key. It automatically deactivates the immobilizer when the vehicle key is
inserted into the ignition lock.
The electronic immobilizer is automatically activated when the vehicle key is removed from the
ignition lock.
The engine can only be started using a genuine Volkswagen vehicle key with the correct code.
Coded vehicle keys are available from a Volkswagen dealership ⇒ Vehicle key set.
If a non-authorised vehicle key has been used, the display in the instrument cluster will show
. The vehicle cannot be used if this occurs. Remove the non-authorised vehicle key from
the ignition lock and used an authorised vehicle key.
The vehicle cannot be operated properly if you do not have a genuine Volkswagen key.
Changing gear
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Warning and indicator lamp
⇒ Pedals
⇒ Manual gearbox: selecting a gear
⇒ Automated manual gearbox: selecting a gear
⇒ Changing gear with Tiptronic
⇒ Driving with an automated manual gearbox
⇒ Fault in the automated manual gearbox
⇒ Gear-change indicator (manual gearboxyf
The following will occur if reverse gear is selected and the ignition is
switched on:
\f
Fig. 97 Selector lever for the automated manual gearbox
Fig. 98 Gear shift pattern for the automated manual gearbox
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
To move the selector lever out of position N to position D or R, first depress and hold the brake
pedal.
The current gearbox position or the selected gear will be shown in the instrument cluster display if
the ignition is switched on.
Selector
lever
position
DesignationMeaning ⇒
Reverse gearReverse gear is selected.
May only be selected when the vehicle is stationary.
Neutral
The gearbox is in the neutral position. No force is transmitted
to the wheels and the braking effect of the engine is not
available.
Standard forward
driving position
All forward gears are shifted up and down automatically. The
timing of the gear shift is determined by the engine load, your
individual driving style and the speed of the vehicle.
Tiptronic position
for forward travel
(manual shift
programmeyf
All forward gears can be shifted up and down manually
⇒ Changing gear with Tiptronic. This remains the case until
the system does not perform or prevents a gear change due to
the current driving situation.
If the lever is moved accidentally to N when driving, take your foot off the accelerator. Wait
for the engine revs in the neutral position before selecting a position again.
Changing gear with Tiptronic
Engaging an incorrect selector lever position can cause you to lose control of the vehicle,
which can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
\f
Information on the brakes
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
New brake pads cannot generate the full braking effect during the first 200 to 300 km and must first
be run in ⇒. However, you can compensate for the slightly reduced braking force by applying
more pressure to the brake pedal. During the run-in period, the braking distance is longer when
the brakes are depressed fully or during emergency braking than with brakes that have been fully
run in. In the run-in period, the brakes should not be depressed fully and situations that create a
heavy load on the brakes should be avoided. For example, when driving too close to the vehicle
ahead.
The rate of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions under which the
vehicle is operated and the way in which the vehicle is driven. With regular urban trips, short
journeys and a sporty driving style, the brake pads must be checked by a qualified workshop more
regularly than stated in the service schedule.
When driving with wet brakes, for example after driving through water, after heavy rainfall or after
washing the vehicle, the braking effect may be delayed as the brake discs will be wet, or possibly
iced up (in winteryf 7 K H E U D N H V P X V W E H G U L H G D V T X L F N O \ D V S R V V L E O H E \ F D U H I X O E U D N L Q J D W K L J K H U
speed. Please ensure that no following vehicle and no other road user is put at risk as a result of
this action ⇒.
Any layer of salt accumulated on the discs and pads will delay the braking effect and increase the
braking distance. If the brakes on the vehicle have not been applied for a long time on roads that
have been gritted with salt, the layer of salt must be reduced through careful braking ⇒.
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt in the brake pads are facilitated through long periods of
inactivity, low mileage and low load levels. If the brake pads have been hardly used, or if they are at
all corroded, Volkswagen recommends that the brake discs and brake pads be cleaned by braking
strongly several times from high speed. Please ensure that no following vehicle and no other road
user is put at risk as a result of this action ⇒.
Fault in the brake system
A brake circuit may have failed if you have to reduce speed and the vehicle does not brake as
normal (sudden increase in braking distanceyf 7 K L V L V L Q G L F D W H G E \ W K H Z D U Q L Q J O L J K W . Go to the
nearest qualified workshop immediately to have the fault corrected. Drive at low speed when doing
this and anticipate much longer braking distances and an increase in the pressure required on the
pedal.
Brake servo
The brake servo will only function when the engine is running and reinforces the pressure applied
by the driver on the brake pedal.
If the brake servo is not functioning or the vehicle is being towed, the brake pedal will have to be
depressed more forcefully as the braking distance will be increased due to the lack of assistance for
the brake system ⇒.
The components of the exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires and serious
injuries.
\f
If the front brake pads are tested, the rear brake pads should be tested at the same time.
Regularly check the thickness of the brake pads through the openings in the rims or from the
underside of the vehicle. If necessary, remove the wheels to carry out a comprehensive check.
Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Brake assist systems
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The brake assist systems ESC, ABS, EBV, BAS, TCS, TC and EDL will only function when the
engine is running. They make a considerable contribution to active driving safety.
Electronic stability control (ESCyf
The ESC helps to reduce the risk of skidding and to improve driving stability by braking individual
wheels in certain driving situations. The ESC detects critical driving situations such as oversteer,
understeer and wheelspin. The system supports the stabilisation process for the vehicle by targeted
braking or by reducing engine torque.
ESC has its limitations. It is important to realise that ESC cannot overcome the laws of physics.
ESC will not be able to assist in every situation faced by a driver. For example, ESC will not be able
New brake pads will not have the optimal braking effect when first fitted.
\f
The ESC or the TCS/TC can only function properly if all four wheels have the same tyres.
Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can cause the system to reduce engine power
unexpectedly.
If the ABS fails, the ESC, TCS, TC and EDL will also cease to function.
Control processes running in the systems described may cause operating noises.
Brake fluid
Fig. 101 In the engine compartment: cap on the brake fluid container
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Brake fluid will gradually absorb water from the surrounding air. The brake system will be damaged
if there is too much water in the brake fluid. The boiling point of the brake fluid is also considerably
reduced by the water content. Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock in the brake
system if the water content is too high. Vapour locks reduce levels of braking power, considerably
increase braking distance and can even cause the brake system to fail completely. Your own safety
and that of other road users depends on having a brake system that functions properly at all times
⇒.
Brake fluid specification
Volkswagen has developed a brake fluid that has been optimised for the brake system in the
vehicle. To ensure optimal operation of the brake system, Volkswagen recommends the use of
brake fluid compliant with VW standard 501 14.
Driving fast on icy, slippery or wet roads can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle and could
cause serious injury to the driver and passengers.
\f
Before using a particular brake fluid, check that the specifications printed on the container
correspond to the vehicle requirements.
Brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14 is available from Volkswagen dealerships.
If this brake fluid is not available and it is necessary to use another high-quality brake fluid instead,
brake fluid that is compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 can
be used.
Not all brake fluids that are compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116
DOT 4 have the same chemical composition. Some of these brake fluids may contain chemicals
that can damage or destroy brake system components over time.
Volkswagen therefore recommends the use of brake fluid that is compliant with
VW standard 501 14 to ensure sustained optimal operation of the brake system.
Brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14 fulfils the requirements of DIN ISO 4925
CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4.
Brake fluid level
The brake fluid level must always be between the MIN and MAX marking on the brake fluid
container or above the MIN marking ⇒.
The brake fluid level cannot be checked accurately in all models as engine components may
partially conceal the brake fluid container. If the brake fluid level cannot be read exactly, please
proceed to a qualified workshop.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the brake pads wear and the
brakes are automatically adjusted.
Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid must be changed as indicated in the service schedule ⇒BookletService schedule,.
The brake fluid should be changed by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a
Volkswagen dealership for this purpose. Only brake fluid that conforms with the required
specification should be used.
Brake fluid can pollute the environment. Any spilt service fluids must be cleaned up and
disposed of properly.
Brake failure or reduced braking effect can be caused by the brake fluid level being too low or
by brake fluid that is too old or unsuitable.
\f